Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A total 15 Extension publications were completed during the reporting period. These publications included comprehensive circulars and shorter guides and factsheets covering a wide range of rangeland and grazing management topics. Some of the most significant of these publications include: Integrating Management Objectives and Grazing Strategies on Semi-arid Rangeland; Grazing Systems for Nebraska Sandhills Rangeland; Range Judging Handbook and Contest Guide for Nebraska; and Skillful Grazing Management on Semi-arid Rangeland. These publications summarize grazing and ecological research for this ecosystem and provide guidelines for sustainable management practices. Information from these publications was also developed into presentation for numerous workshops, field days and range tours. Annually, a series of Prescribed Burning Workshops were held at 4 locations across the state. For many rangeland types, prescribed burning is gaining wider acceptance as an important management tool. This includes impacts on plant community health, vigor, diversity and control of invasive plant species. Other outputs associated with this project included the continued development and on-going teaching of the Nebraska Ranch Practicum. This 8-day, comprehensive educational program combines classroom teaching with hands-on training and pasture demonstration. This program is designed to sharpen a producer's decision-making, risk assessment and monitoring skills to help them manage their resources sustainably and more profitably. The Practicum, benefits rangeland managers and has been very successful with substantial impact each year. Another output associated with this project has included the continued development and on-going support of rangeland management education for youth. This has included Youth Field Days, Range Youth Camps, and the Range Judging program. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators and contacts periodically participating in this project included other Extension faculty colleagues, Extension educators, graduate students, and technicians. The role of Extension colleagues included assistance in program development and teaching or publication authorship. Extension educators and private consultant attended these programs as part of their professional development. Partner organizations included the Society for Range Management, the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, Prescribed Burn Task Force, the Twin Platte Natural Resource District, and USDA-NRCS personnel. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included farmers and ranchers or other land managers, absentee landowners, high school students, consultants, NRCS personnel and other technical service providers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Over 55 percent of the land mass in Nebraska is rangeland or pastures. Sustainable management of this resource is paramount to the success of the cow-calf production system. As world populations continue to grow, the efficient, sustainable conversion of forage and feed resources into high quality protein products will be increasingly important. Nebraska farmers and ranchers are positioned to be leaders in the production of economical, safe, and healthy food. Overall, the project will contribute to filling a knowledge gap on issues pertaining to rangeland management and ecosystem services. Through this project, collaborations and partnerships with organizations such as the Society for Range Management, the Nebraska Grazinglands Coalition, and the USDA-NRCS have been expanded and strengthened which further multiplied the impact and outcome. RREA dollars were used for curriculum materials, part-time personnel, travel, and supplies needed to conduct programs associated with this project. During the 5 year period, the Ranch Practicum has impacted over 160 producers, 250,000 beef cows and 2.5 million acres of land. Participants indicated that information learned has improved the profitability of their operations by an average of $19,000 and 97% indicated that improvement of their management skills would result. Including other programs supported by this project, there has been a total of 78 educational programs with almost 5000 direct contacts that increased their awareness of benefits and opportunities. Additionally, 175 stewardship or management plans were developed. The impact of youth programs is based on students obtaining a greater understanding and knowledge of rangeland resources. Range Judging develops skills in rangeland management, soil properties and characteristics, decision-making, logic, organizational skills, problem solving, written communication, self-confidence, self-discipline, self-motivation, and teamwork.
Publications
- Volesky, J.D. and D.C. Adams. 2011. Planning ahead to save AUMs and the cow herd in times of forage shortage. p. 203-211. In: Proc. The Range Beef Cow Symposium XXII. Nov. 29, 30, and Dec. 1, 2011, Mitchell, Nebraska.
- Schacht, W.H., J.D. Volesky, D. Bauer, and M.B. Stephenson. 2011. Grazing Systems for Nebraska Sandhills Rangeland. University of Nebraska Extension Circular 127. 14 p.
- Villasanti, S., L.A. Stalker, T.J. Klopfenstein, W.H. Schacht, and J.D. Volesky. 2011. Replacement of Grazed Forage with WDGS and Poor Quality Hay Mixtures. University of Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. MP94:28-30.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A new Extension Circular: Grazing Systems for Nebraska Sandhills Rangelands (in press) was developed. This publication summarizes grazing research for this ecosystem and provides guidelines for sustainable grazing management practices. This publication will be available both on-line and in print form. Portions of this publication were presented newsletter articles, the Nebraska Grazing Conference, and research publications. In 2010, over 1200 Nebraska youth participate in range judging activities. Range judging focuses on teaching youth how to identify plants, develop resource management strategies, and evaluate range condition status. Field Days at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and the Barta Brothers Ranch were attended by nearly 350 people. Highlights of the program included reports of the results of a long-term grazing systems study and field tours of new rangeland research projects. Rangeland management and grazing information were also presented at 10 different Extension programs including Ranching for Profitability and the West Central Cattleman's Days. A series of Prescribed Burning Workshops were held at 4 locations across the central part of the state. For many rangeland types, prescribed burning is gaining wider acceptance as an important management tool. This includes impacts on plant community health, vigor, diversity and control of invasive plant species. Other outputs associated with this project included the continued development and on-going teaching of the Nebraska Ranch Practicum. This 8-day, comprehensive educational program combines classroom teaching with hands-on training and pasture demonstration. This program is designed to sharpen a producer's decision-making, risk assessment and monitoring skills to help them manage their resources more profitably. The Practicum, benefits rangeland managers and has been very successful with substantial impact in previous years. This year's Ranch Practicum program held sessions in June, July, and September with the final instruction days scheduled for January, 2011. Another output associated with this project has included the continued development and on-going support of the youth education programs within Nebraska. In 2010, this included the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory Youth Field Day which was attended by over 190 high school students. A presentation was also made to 40 students attending the Nebraska Range Youth Camp. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators and contacts periodically participating in this project included other Extension faculty colleagues, Extension educators, graduate students, and technicians. The role of Extension colleagues included assistance in program development and teaching or publication authorship. Extension educators and private consultant attended these programs as part of their professional development. Partner organizations included the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, Prescribed Burn Task Force, the Twin Platte Natural Resource District, and USDA-NRCS personnel. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included farmers and ranchers or other land managers, absentee landowners, high school students, consultants, NRCS personnel and other technical service providers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Overall, the project will contribute to filling a knowledge gap on issues pertaining to livestock grazing and rangeland management. RREA dollars are used for curriculum materials, travel, and supplies needed to conduct programs associated with this project. The impact of youth programs is based on students obtaining a greater understanding and knowledge of rangeland resources. Over the past 10 years, 12,800 youth and adults participated in the Area and State Range Judging contests. Range Judging develops skills in rangeland management, soil properties and characteristics, decision-making, logic, organizational skills, problem solving, written communication, self-confidence, self-discipline, self-motivation, and teamwork. The 35 participants in the 2009 Nebraska Ranch Practicum influence decisions on 273,858 acres and 14,861 head of livestock. In addition, participants impact on an additional 12,223 people, 235,520 acres and 26,430 head of cattle through consultation and other educational activities. The participants reported a savings of $17.28 per head. The total benefit per producer was $11,163/operation. The total reported economic impact of the practicum was $133,955. In addition, 96% of participants reported improved skills in monitoring vegetation and livestock and 100% indicated they would make management changes as result of this program. All producers attending the West Central Cattleman's Days indicated that they have improved knowledge and increased profitability by an average of $11 per head. Evaluations from the Ranching for Profitability educational programs indicated that the presentations were informative, financially beneficial, and that the participants will make changes based on the education provided. Over 155 producers, lenders, and nutritionists attended, representing over 34,000 head of cows and over 280,000 acres.
Publications
- Schacht, W. and J. Volesky. 2010. Grazing Systems Research in the Nebraska Sandhills. Center for Grassland Studies Newsletter. 16(2):1
- Volesky, J.D. 2010. Horse Pasture Grazing and Stocking Rates. Saddle Up Nebraska. 1 (5):18. Schacht, W.H. and J.D. Volesky. 2010. Grazing Systems Research in the Nebraska Sandhills. p. 79-83. In: Proc. Nebraska Grazing Conference, Aug. 10-11. Kearney, NE. Volesky, J.D. and B.E. Anderson. 2010. Grazing Alfalfa. University of Nebraska Extension NebGuide G2030.
- Volesky, J.D. and A.L. Berger. 2010. Forage Production with Limited Irrigation. University of Nebraska Extension NebGuide G2012.
- Volesky, J.D. and B.E. Anderson. 2010. Perennial Forages for Irrigated Pasture. University of Nebraska Extension NebGuide G1502.
- Anderson, B.E., T.L. Holman, D.D. Baltensperger, and J.D.. Volesky. 2010. Reseeding or Thickening Thin Alfalfa Stands. University of Nebraska Extension NebGuide G1993.
- Nuttelman, B.L., W.A. Griffin, T.J. Klopfenstein, W.H. Schacht, L.A. Stalker, J.A. Musgrave, and J.D. Volesky. 2010. Supplementing Wet Distillers Grains Mixed with Low Quality Forage to Grazing Cow/Calf Pairs. University of Nebraska Beef Cattle report MP93:31-23.
- Schacht, W.H., J.D. Volesky, M.B. Stephenson, T.K. Klopfenstein, and D.C. Adams. 2010. Plant and Animal Responses to Grazing Systems in the Nebraska Sandhills. University of Nebraska Beef Report MP93:36-37.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Significant revisions were made to the Extension Circular: Range Judging Handbook and Contest Guide for Nebraska. This widely used publication was made available both on-line and in print form. Each year, over 1100 Nebraska youth participate in range judging activities. Range judging focuses on teaching youth how to identify plants, develop resource management strategies, and evaluate range condition status. In collaboration with the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, two factsheets were published covering the topics of Conserving Grazing Lands and Multi-species grazing. These will be available through that organization. Field Days at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and the Barta Brothers Ranch were attended by nearly 400 people. Highlights of the program included reports of the results of a long-term grazing systems study that was completed in 2008. Rangeland management and grazing information were also presented at a series of Extension program entitled Beef Profitability Seminars and the West Central Cattleman's Day. A series of Prescribed Burning Workshops were held at 4 locations across the central part of the state. For many rangeland types, prescribed burning is gaining wider acceptance as an important management tool. This includes impacts on plant community health, vigor, diversity and control of invasive plant species. Other outputs associated with this project included the continued development and on-going support of the Nebraska Ranch Practicum. This 8-day, comprehensive educational program combines classroom teaching with hands-on training and pasture demonstration. This program is designed to sharpen a producer's decision-making, risk assessment and monitoring skills to help them manage their resources more profitably. The Practicum, benefits rangeland managers and has been very successful with substantial impact in previous years. This year's Ranch Practicum program held sessions in June, July, and September with the final instruction days scheduled for January, 2010. Another output associated with this project has included the continued development and on-going support of the youth education programs within Nebraska. In 2009, this included 2 Youth Field and Science Days which was attended by over 400 high school students. All of these programs contained rangeland components. A presentation was also made to 40 students attending the Range Youth Camp. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators and contacts periodically participating in this project included other Extension faculty colleagues, Extension educators, graduate students, and technicians. The role of Extension colleagues included assistance in program development and teaching or publication authorship. Extension educators and private consultant attended these programs as part of their professional development. Partner organizations included the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, Prescribed Burn Task Force, the Twin Platte Natural Resource District, and USDA-NRCS personnel. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included farmers and ranchers or other land managers, absentee landowners, high school students, NRCS personnel and other technical service providers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Overall, the project will contribute to filling a knowledge gap on issues pertaining to livestock grazing and rangeland management. RREA dollars are used for curriculum materials, travel, and supplies needed to conduct programs associated with this project. The impact of youth programs is based on students obtaining a greater understanding and knowledge of rangeland resources. Over the past 10 years, 12,649 youth and adults participated in the Area and State Range Judging contests. Range Judging develops skills in rangeland management, soil properties and characteristics, decision-making, logic, organizational skills, problem solving, written communication, self-confidence, self-discipline, self-motivation, and teamwork. During 1996 through 2009, the Prescribed Burn Task Force, has educated 1,450 producers, landowners, agency personnel, and volunteer firemen on conducting prescribed burns safely. Over 35,000 acres have been renovated by prescribed burning and 6 landowner associations have been formed. Prescribed burning is cost-effective compared to other methods for red cedar control and revitalization of grasslands. Economic impact of prescribed burning can be seen by 10 - 12% increased productivity in grasslands. A redcedar with 7-foot crown diameter occupies 39 sq. ft (an area that could potentially produce 3 pounds of forage). Stands with 250 trees/acre (1 every 13 feet) would occupy a quarter-acre of an acre. Including the effects of area coverage, moisture use, and shading, 250 trees/acre may reduce forage production by 50%. By using prescribed burning to increase productivity of pastures, producers can save about $150 per cow ($30 per month for 5 months) that they run on the rejuvenated pastures by not having to rent pasture to run the cow. Also, in the case of stocker beef animals, an increase in gain of 10-12% could be an increase in profit of $80 - $120 per animal. The 33 participants in the 2008 Nebraska Ranch Practicum influenced decisions on 119,170 acres of upland range, meadows, seeded hayland and cropland and 9,543 head of cows and yearlings. In addition, participants have an impact on an additional 154 people, 416,200 acres and 32,450 head of cattle through consultation and other educational activities. The average cow herd size for all 29 producers participating was 378 cows per operation. Producers (average of 385 cows per operation) who completed the post-program evaluation reported that value of the practicum was $18.08 per head. The total benefit per producer was $6,960 per operation. The total reported economic impact of the 2008 Nebraska Ranch Practicum was $83,602. Extrapolated data for all 29 producers would indicate a total impact of the program of $122,907. The majority of the 125 beef producers attending the Cattleman's Days and Beef Profitability Seminars indicated that they learned significant information on rangeland management and beef production topics. These producers were responsible for 15,000 cows and 240,000 acres of grazing lands.
Publications
- Volesky, J.D. (ed.), J.L. Stubbendieck, W.H. Schacht. D. Larsen, and D. Cisney. 2009. Range Judging Handbook and Contest Guide for Nebraska. University of Nebraska Extension Circular EC-150. 50 p.
- Anderson, B.E., J.D. Volesky, and C.A. Shapiro. 2009. Fertilizing Grass Pastures and Hayland. University of Nebraska Extension NebGuide G1977.
- Klein, R.N., S.N. Wegulo, and J.D. Volesky. 2008. Weed Control on CRP Acres. University of Nebraska Extension NebGuide G1900.
- Meyer, T. L., D. C. Adams, T. J. Klopfenstein, J. D. Volesky, L. A. Stalker, and R. N. Funston. 2009. Estimating livestock forage demand: defining the animal unit (AU). Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. MP92:13-14.
- Cotton, S., D. Larsen, and J. Volesky. 2009. Conserving Grazing Lands. Nebraska Grazing Land Coalition Factsheet.
- Cotton, S., D. Larsen, and J. Volesky. 2009. Multi-Species Grazing. Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Factsheet
- Nuttelman, B. L., W. A. Griffin, T. J. Klopfenstein, W. H. Schacht, L. A. Stalker, J. A. Musgrave, and J. D. Volesky. 2009. Supplementing wet distillers grains mixed with low quality forage to grazing cow calf pairs. 2009. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 60:358-361.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two publications pertaining to rangeland and grassland management were completed during the past year. One of these publications includes software for the recording and summarizing grazing and hay records. Accurate grazing records that contain information on stocking rates and timing of grazing are essential for planning future year's grazing strategies. In addition, implementation of carbon-credit programs on rangelands has the requirement of such records for enrolled lands. The records program has been become a widely used tool by rangeland managers in numerous states that are participating in carbon credit programs. The second publication provides a description of the basic concepts of rangeland ecology and grazing principles. Tables and worksheets are included that allows a manager to identify range management objectives and select appropriate grazing strategies that will most likely result in meeting those objectives. A series of Prescribed Burning Workshops were held at 3 locations across the state. For many rangeland types, prescribed burning is gaining wider acceptance as an important management tool. This includes impacts on plant community health, vigor, diversity and control of invasive plant species. Other outputs associated with this project included the continued development and on-going support of the Nebraska Ranch Practicum. This 8-day, comprehensive educational program combines classroom teaching with hands-on training and pasture demonstration. This program is designed to sharpen a producer's decision-making, risk assessment and monitoring skills to help them manage their resources more profitably. The Practicum, benefits rangeland managers and has been very successful with substantial impact in previous years. This year's Ranch Practicum program held sessions in June, July, and September with the final instruction days scheduled for January, 2009. Another output associated with this project has included the continued development and on-going support of the youth education programs within Nebraska. In 2008, this included 3 Youth Field and Science Days which were attended by over 500 high school students. All of these programs contained rangeland components. Range judging contests conducted at the State level focused on teaching over 430 youth how to identify plants, develop resource management strategies, and evaluate range condition status. A presentation was also made to 40 students attending the Range Youth Camp. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators and contacts periodically participating in this project included other Extension faculty colleagues, Extension educators, graduate students, and technicians. The role of Extension colleagues included assistance in program development and teaching or publication authorship. Extension educators and private consultant attended these programs as part of their professional development. Partner organizations included the Prescribed Burn Task Force, the Twin Platte Natural Resource District, and USDA-NRCS personnel. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included farmers and ranchers or other land managers, absentee landowners, high-school aged students, NRCS personnel and other technical service providers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Overall, the project will contribute to filling a knowledge gap on issues pertaining to livestock grazing and rangeland management. The target audiences include farmers and ranchers or other land managers, absentee landowners, NRCS personnel and other technical service providers. The impact of youth programs is based on students obtaining a greater understanding and knowledge of rangeland resources; with many of the students eventually entering a career associated with some aspect of rangeland management. The publications that were developed contain usable information for rangeland managers when formulating their grazing management plans. The publications have become an important part of the curriculum for several workshops. Participants in the past year's Ranch Practicum program were surveyed and it was determined that they influenced decisions on over 300,000 acres of rangeland and seeded hayland and 12,000 head of cows and yearlings. In addition to those numbers, participants have an impact on an additional people and rangeland through their consultation and other educational activities.
Publications
- Volesky, J.D., W.H. Schacht, P.E. Reece, and A.M. Petersen. 2008. Grazing and Hay Records: Spreadsheet Template. University of Nebraska Extension Circular EC-165.
- Reece, P.E., J.D. Volesky, and W.H. Schacht. 2008. Integrating Management Objectives and Grazing Strategies on Semi-arid Rangeland. University of Nebraska Extension Circular EC-158.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Three publications related to of rangeland and grassland management were completed during the past year. One of these educational publications contained information pertaining to selection of grazing management strategies. An emphasis was placed on understanding the concepts of grass growth to select grazing systems and to make year-to-year changes in pasture-use sequences that minimize cumulative effects of grazing and drought stress. When applied, these strategies will optimize the vigor and forage production potential of rangeland plant communities. The other publications provided guidelines for prescribed burning. For many rangeland types, prescribed burning is gaining wider acceptance as an important management tool. This includes impacts on plant community health, vigor, diversity and control of invasive plant species. A series of Prescribed Burning Workshops were held at 3 locations across the state. Other outputs associated with this project included the development
and on-going support of two comprehensive educational programs with significant rangeland management components. These 4 to 8 day programs combine classroom teaching with hands-on training and pasture demonstration. The first program, the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, benefits Sandhills rangeland managers and has been very successful with substantial impact in previous years. This year's Ranch Practicum program held sessions in June, July, and September with the final instruction days scheduled for January, 2008. Curriculum for a new program, the Integrated Beef-Forage Systems Shortcourse was developed and the program initiated in fall 2007. This program has a substantial component directed towards the sustainable management of rangelands in south-central and southwest Nebraska.
PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators and contacts periodically participating in this project included other Extension faculty colleagues, Extension educators, graduate students, and technicians. The role of Extension colleagues included assistance in program development and teaching or publication authorship. Extension educators and private consultant attended these programs as part of their professional development. Partner organizations included the Prescribed Burn Task Force, the Twin Platte Natural Resource District, and USDA-NRCS personnel and a college course.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences included farmers and ranchers or other land managers, absentee landowners, NRCS personnel and other technical service providers.
Impacts
Overall, the project will contribute to filling a knowledge gap on issues pertaining to livestock grazing and rangeland management. The target audiences include farmers and ranchers or other land managers, absentee landowners, NRCS personnel and other technical service providers. The publications that were developed contain usable information for rangeland managers when formulating their grazing management plans or if they are considering the use of prescribed burning for rangeland improvement. The publications have become an important part of the curriculum for several workshops. Participants in the past year's Ranch Practicum program were surveyed and it was determined that they influenced decisions on 347,715 acres of rangeland and seeded hayland and 15,671 head of cows and yearlings. In addition to those numbers, participants have an impact on an additional 303 people, 926,600 acres and 25,690 head of cattle through their consultation and other educational
activities. The average cow herd size per producer was 1,099 and producers estimated saving $7.55 per head ($7,798 per operation) because of knowledge gained from the program.
Publications
- Stubbendieck, J., J. Volesky, and J. Ortmann. 2007. Grassland Management with Prescribed Fire. University of Nebraska Extension Circular EC 148.
- Reece, P.E., W.H. Schacht, and J.D. Volesky. 2007. Skillful Grazing Management on Semi-arid Rangeland. University of Nebraska Extension Circular EC 162.
- Volesky, J.D., J.L. Stubbendieck, and R.B. Mitchell. 2007. Conducting a prescribed burn and prescribed burning checklist. University of Nebraska Extension Circular EC121.
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